Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said Matt Cassel will start in the season finale against the Lions on Sunday with Christian Ponder on the sidelines. Josh Freeman is expected to be inactive for the ninth time in 12 games with the Vikings this season.

“[Freeman] picked up things well and worked hard in practice,” Frazier said during Monday’s press conference. “He’s still doing those things, picking up the offense, working hard, spending time with coaches doing all the things he needs to do. But with one game left and having a chance to watch Matt play again, we made the decision and that’s probably the way we’ll go.”

Cassel had his worst game this season in Sunday’s 42-14 loss at Cincinnati. He was 13 of 27 for 114 yards with a touchdown, three interceptions and a fumble.

Frazier also said neither he or his agent have discussed his job status with general manager Rick Speilman or principal owner Zygi Wilf. The Vikings are 4-10-1.

“I think for our players, it’s important that they focus on the task,” Frazier said when asked about how he’s blocking out rumors of his job security. That’s what I’m asking them to do, and I need to do the same thing. It’s very, very important if you want to have a chance to win these games down the stretch that I stay focused on what’s involved with leading our team and I want them to follow. It’s important I handle it the right way.”